Research from UWIN (Unleashing the Wealth in Nations), a blockchain business aiming to transform farming and commodity trading in Africa and other parts of the developing world, has shown a positive outlook for the continent’s opportunities by professional investors.

51 professional investors including hedge funds, private equity and pension funds were interviewed between May and June 2018 by the market research company PollRight.

The research claims that 45% view Africa as an attractive investment opportunity, and just 27% see it as ‘unattractive.’ Two thirds (64%) expect foreign direct investment into Africa to increase over the next five years, with 12% anticipating a big rise. Only 10% anticipate a fall in this area.

Technological advances, particularly blockchain, are cited in the survey as transforming economies there.

Other key findings from the research include:

64% of professional investors expect foreign direct investment into Africa to increase over the next five years’

46% believe Africa will enjoy some of the strongest economic growth of anywhere in the world

Biggest obstacles to Africa reaching its potential are a lack of infrastructure, corruption and poor regulation.